Small tropical animal that eats snakes, rats and birds' eggs (8)
I believe the answer is:
mongoose
(Other definitions for mongoose that I've seen before include "Small mammal that preys on snakes" , "Carnivorous mammal that slays snakes" , "Agile cat-like creature with long body and tail" , "Cat-like creature with long body and bushy tail" , "Animal that kills snakes" .)